Black Bayou ranger Nova Clarke handles a rare Louisiana pine snake, one of several animals at the refuge learning center. Clarke must take an unpaid furlough when the government shuts down.

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The government shutdown will temporarily close the Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge, and workers say it couldn't have come at a worse time.

Hunting season begins for bow hunters Tuesday, but those who rely on the area's wildlife refuges for their hunting will have to find somewhere else to go.

Refuge Manager Brett Hortman said all public use areas - including trails, boat ramps and hunting areas - will close at Black Bayou, D'Arbonne, Upper Ouachita and Handy Brake national wildlife refuges. He said 17 people work at those locations, and 12 of them will be on furloughs. ...